CHAPTER 566: CHAPTER 445: IS IT HIM?!_2

Scripture Tower.

Debating Peak.

If one can gain insight while the Upper Immortals preach the Dao, they may attract attention and thus be accepted as a disciple.

Alternatively, one might stand out through various contests and trials within the Daoist sect.

"Among the mountain and sea realms, there are twenty-three ’Trial Sword Peaks.’ Every Daoist disciple can attempt them, which measure a cultivator’s combat strength. For instance, at the Divinity Transformation stage, most of the First Realm cultivators can pass three peaks. For newcomers to the Divinity Transformation stage like you, passing the First Peak is already quite impressive. Normally, those at the peak of Divine Transformation can pass up to the Twelfth Peak. Beyond that, it requires strength surpassing ordinary peak Divine Transformation. Each additional peak successfully passed signifies a vast difference in combat strength. Passing seventeen or eighteen peaks means one’s combat prowess rivals that of a Twelve Tribulations Independent Immortal. Beyond that, they could even rival Fourth-order Upper Immortals."

"Upper Immortals favor disciples with exceptional combat strength. If you can pass three or four Trial Sword Peaks, an Upper Immortal will surely come to accept you as their disciple."

"But this is exceedingly difficult."

Wuu Qiang walked with Chen Jichuan through Golden Wind Mountain and Sea, introducing him to every region and explaining the rules of the Daoist sect as well as survival laws, ensuring he learned how to live—how to thrive—within the sect.

"The Great Dao is a contest!"

"Walking the Immortal path requires constant striving. Within the sect, you compete with fellow disciples for advancement and opportunities within the rules. Outside the sect, you compete against demons and monsters for treasures, even for survival, beyond the confines of regulation."

"Thus, combat skills are indispensable. ’Trial Sword Peak’ not only measures your combat strength but also refines your fighting techniques. In the future, you should visit frequently."

"There’s also ’Seeking Dao Mountain.’"

"This mountain has three paths. The first, ’Heart-knocking,’ tempers one’s Daoist heart. Those with a steadfast Daoist heart can ascend to the mountainside or summit, while those with a fragile Daoist heart can only linger at the foot. The second, ’Miao Fa insight,’ leads to countless thoughts containing infinite Magic Skills; those with keen perception may comprehend profound techniques from it. The third, ’Climbing Immortal,’ emphasizes Immortal Dao’s foundational importance. Those with solid foundations and pure mana can climb further and ascend higher. This path also strengthens the foundation."

"On Seeking Dao Mountain and Trial Sword Peak, Upper Immortals are commonly seen, including Hall Masters and Elders at the peak of Fourth-order cultivation."

Scripture Tower.

Book Collection Pavilion.

Seeking Dao Mountain.

Trial Sword Peak.

The One Origin Dao Sect does not assign masters to disciples.

However, Upper Immortals frequently preach the Dao in the Scripture Tower within the sect.

And numerous texts in the Book Collection Pavilion are available for study.

There are sacred sites like Seeking Dao Mountain and Trial Sword Peak for training and tempering oneself.

Entering such a sect reveals the profound depths of an Upper Dao sect’s foundation. Compared to heterodox sects and side branches, the difference is vast.

"This is ideal."

"Not in vain for my efforts."

Chen Jichuan felt increasingly fortunate.

Only within such a Daoist sect could he harbor greater hopes of breaking through the Fourth-order shackles to ascend as a Fifth-order True Immortal.

...

Wuu Qiang escorted Chen Jichuan to the Ancestor Hall, where he swore oaths, received the sect’s disciple attire, insignia, standardized Magical Treasure, and so forth. Then, he toured all the regions disciples may tread before leading Chen Jichuan to Endless Sea to select a mountain peak.

The Immortal road is boundless.

Within this ’Endless Sea,’ peaks stand densely like islands amid clouds, each representing a Daoist sect disciple.

As a newcomer, Chen Jichuan gazed over Endless Sea, seeing no fewer than ten thousand peaks!

"Only a small portion of Daoist disciples cultivate regularly in Endless Sea, while others follow their masters, and some roam externally, undergoing trials and training."

Wuu Qiang led Chen Jichuan to a particular mountain peak, summoned a retinue of powerful warriors, servants, and maids for him to command, and then bid farewell.

This task was complete.

After touring the area, Chen Jichuan formally became a disciple of the Daoist sect. In future travels, he could openly claim ’Daoist lineage,’ far beyond the status of independents or common practitioners.

"Next comes training within the sect."

Chen Jichuan familiarized himself with the mountain peak, established a cave dwelling, then leaped swiftly toward the sect’s Book Collection Pavilion.

...

Time passed swiftly.

Five hundred years later.

On this day.

Shi Ze returned to the sect.

This time, he had ventured externally for six hundred years, wielding his sword throughout the East Sea, slaying countless evil demons and monsters, his aura deeply imbued with murderous intent. Comparing his current aura to when he first returned to Dongqi Daoist School years ago, he appeared almost unrecognizable.

"Six hundred years."

"Middle-stage Inner Realm."

"Next comes settling into meditation to attempt breaking through to late-stage Inner Realm."

Shi Ze seemed weary but carried latent energy in his eyes, brimming with joy.

His external ventures yielded considerable harvests; combat against formidable Demon Kings and monsters across hundreds of battles in the East Sea, coupled with encountering two moments of serendipity, pushed his cultivation forward. Departing at the Fourth-order’s threshold, he returned now as a Middle-stage Inner Realm cultivator, Second-Pattern Immortal.

To progress like this within six hundred years was exceedingly rare even in the One Origin Dao Sect.

"If I succeed in breaking through to late-stage Inner Realm this time."

"Within five thousand years, I might conquer Trial Sword Peak’s Fourth Peak and strive for True Inheritor status."

Shi Ze felt hopeful as he headed toward ’East River Palace.’

This East River Palace was established by his teacher, the East River Palace Master—a Daoist True Immortal, a being of great power. His creation of the ’East River Palace’ within Golden Wind Mountain and Sea spanned a vast region, earning the nickname ’Little Mountain and Sea.’ Verdant peaks rose within it, resembling an ethereal fairyland.

Upon arriving at the gateway of this mountain-and-sea realm occupied by the East River Palace, Shi Ze saw an Upper Immortal descending from within.

"Senior Brother."

Shi Ze immediately stepped forward to pay his respects.

This Upper Immortal, cultured and mild-mannered, with a kindly countenance, was none other than the fourteenth Direct Transmission disciple under the East River Palace Master, known as ’Shen Mo.’ The Palace Master had long transcended worldly affairs and reached eternal immortality. Throughout his lifetime, he accepted numerous disciples and had dozens of Direct Transmission disciples. But over countless years, the earliest disciples had all faded away.

Shen Mo ranked fourteenth among these disciples, yet all thirteen preceding him had departed, making him the current senior disciple of the East River Palace.

Shi Ze, as a disciple of the East River Palace Master, often received guidance from Shen Mo and held him in high regard.

"Ah, it’s Junior Brother Shi."

"You’ve been out for six hundred years; it seems you’ve gained much."

Shen Mo chuckled, nodding slightly at Shi Ze.

"Just minor gains, nothing worth boasting about."

Before Shen Mo, Shi Ze dared not exhibit pride. Curious, he asked, "Senior Brother, where are you headed? If it’s a minor matter, perhaps the junior disciples can handle it."

As the one managing East River Palace affairs on behalf of their master, Shen Mo’s status within the One Origin Dao Sect surpassed many Hall Masters; he rarely left the palace.

This departure appeared unusual.

"I believe Junior Brother is originally from Dongqi Daoist School?"

Shen Mo didn’t answer but instead posed a question.

"Yes."

"Senior Brother Meng and I both hail from Dongqi Daoist School."

Shi Ze nodded, unsure of Shen Mo’s intention.

"I assume you’ve been unaware since your return." Shen Mo smiled and said, "After you left, Dongqi Daoist School produced another prodigious talent. This individual reached Divinity Transformation at one hundred and twenty years old and entered the Daoist sect. Now, in just five hundred years, they have already surpassed the Nine-Nine Tribulations and ascended to Fourth-order cultivation. Senior Brother Meng recommended them to the master, who reviewed their record and has tasked me with visiting ’Endless Sea’ to welcome them into the East River Palace lineage as the master’s twenty-fifth True Inheritor."

"Another disciple—this is an excellent development."

"Since it’s the master’s directive, Senior Brother should first visit Endless Sea; I’ll pay my respects once the matter is settled."

Upon hearing this, Shi Ze dared not delay Shen Mo’s mission.

"Alright."

"We’ll catch up later."

Shen Mo nodded before vanishing into the mist.

After Shen Mo departed, Shi Ze remained astonished. "Ascended to Fourth-order at six hundred and twenty years old—this is incredible. No wonder the master sent Senior Brother himself."

Shi Ze recalled that within the One Origin Dao Sect’s documented history, the quickest ascension to Fourth-order cultivation was at approximately four hundred and forty years old. That individual, however, was a True Immortal’s only offspring, nurtured meticulously to achieve such speeds.

By comparison, Shi Ze himself took two thousand years to ascend to Upper Immortal status—an accomplishment that had already impressed Dean Fengchang greatly.

"Six hundred and twenty years old."

"From Dongqi Daoist School."

"Risen from a subordinate branch, meaning there is no True Immortal backing them, nor any substantial support. If this is the case, then it is truly remarkable."

Shi Ze’s curiosity deepened as he strode into ’East River Palace’ and returned to his cave dwelling. He summoned attendants to deliver all available records about this soon-to-be junior disciple and new Fourth-order cultivator.

Upon receiving and reviewing the material, his eyes froze—

"It’s him?!"

...